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Cytotechnologist

Cytotechnologist spend their days examining human cells, looking for abnormalities. They play an important role in the diagnosis of cancer and other cell-deformities.

Are you fascinated by the complexity of a single cell? Do you enjoy working with microscopes, or think you might? If so, you may wish to consider a career as a cytotechnologist. They spend their days examining human cells, looking for abnormalities. They play an important role in the diagnosis of cancer and other cell-deformities.

Fast Facts

Minimum Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree

Top 3 Skills: Precision, Eye for Detail, Focus

Average Starting Salary: $50,000/year

Job Description

Cytotechnologists employed by hospitals or other medical centers spend their days in the laboratory, analyzing patient biopsies. They use the most current imaging devices and methods to detect cell abnormalities or irreularities. They report their findings to the head of the lab and/or the patient’s overseeing physician.

While cytotechnologists must be self-sufficient, and able to work unaided, they do have to interact with other researchers and technologists in a public laboratory space. Patient interaction, however, is limited.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in Cytotechnology prepares a student for a career as a technologist. Though it may vary slightly between universities, the program emphasizes microbiology and laboratory practices.

If you’ve enjoyed your high school laboratory science classes, this might be a career for you.

Licensing/Certification

All cytotechnologists muss pass the ASC exam to be come certified, and the CT(ASCP) Cytotechnologist license is highly valued in the workplace. Some additional requirements may exist in your state, so check the local health board for more information.

Job Outlook: Excellent

The BLS does not provide data specific to cytotechnology, as it is a smaller and newer field. However, with a starting salary of $50,000 and technologists as a whole predicted to increase employment by nearly 30%, cytotechnology appears to be a solid job choice.